Some people don’t mind having a gap between teeth. In fact, some celebrities—Michael Strahan and Anna Paquin are two examples—are known for their distinctive tooth gap. But for those who do not see the space as charming or attractive, there are several different ways to fill it. 

Options for gap tooth fillings cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The choice of materials and methods, as well as the width of the tooth gap, all have an impact on that cost.

Following are six ways to fill a gap between teeth, along with what a patient can expect to pay.

Composite Bonding

Dental bonding is the process of applying composite resin to a tooth. This is the same material used to fill a cavity, but it works well for cosmetic purposes too. Typical uses include filling in a crack or chip, but it can help close a gap between teeth too. A dentist puts a small amount of composite on the tooth widening the teeth on either side of the space. 

This method is a relatively inexpensive option for a narrow gap. Bigger gaps might need too much bonding material to bring the teeth together. This can make them look unnaturally big. 

The average cost of composite bonding: $300 to $600 per tooth.

Veneers

Unlike bonding, which can be applied in strategic spots on a tooth, dental veneers cover the entire front-facing surface. For a gap, the dentist makes the veneer or veneers slightly larger than the tooth. Once in place, the teeth line up perfectly. 

Using impressions or 3D imaging for exact measurements, the veneer is created in a lab out of composite or porcelain. Dentists first remove some of the tooth enamel and then cement the veneer in place. Because of this, the procedure is more invasive than dental bonding. But since a veneer can give a tooth a perfect size, shape, and color, they are a popular option for covering up a variety of flaws like chips, cracks, and permanent stains.

The average cost of composite veneers: $400 to $2,000 per tooth. The average cost of porcelain veneers: $900 to $2,500 per tooth.

Braces

Braces are an effective way to move teeth closer together or turn them if their crookedness is creating a tooth gap. Patients can choose from traditional metal braces, clear braces, or even lingual braces, which go behind the teeth. 

Getting braces can solve other alignment problems and crookedness while fixing a gap between teeth. So if there are multiple issues, braces can be a good choice. 

Braces do have some drawbacks, especially for adults who might prefer a less noticeable treatment. Patients must also wait about 20 to 24 months for results. And during that time, they may find them uncomfortable and hard to keep clean.

The average cost of metal or clear braces: $3,500 to $8,000. The average cost of lingual braces: $6,000 to $13,000.

Invisalign

Clear aligners such as Invisalign are an alternative to braces. A series of clear plastic trays move teeth gradually without the “metal mouth” look. Part of the appeal is that they are removable, however, they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day to get results. 

Invisalign can close gaps between teeth, but the wider the gap, the longer it will take. A typical Invisalign treatment plan takes about 6 months to a year, and that includes closing narrow tooth gaps.

In general, Invisalign is meant for mild to moderate misalignment and crookedness rather than for severe problems. So in the case of a very large space, it could take more than a year. Some teeth might require something stronger like braces to come completely together. 

Average cost of Invisalign: $3,000 to $7,000.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are not typically used just for cosmetic purposes. Their main function is to cap off a decayed tooth after a root canal procedure. They do have the advantage, however, of looking and feeling just like a real tooth. So, while it would not be the obvious choice, a crown could cover a small or misshapen tooth and in the process, close a tooth gap. It would simply be created to fit the space properly, rather than matching the original tooth.

It is important to note that it would be extremely rare for a dentist to recommend a crown for a perfectly healthy tooth, especially when there are other options for correcting a gap. But if the tooth needs a crown anyway, it can solve both problems at once. 

The average cost of a dental crown: $800-1,800 per tooth.

Bridges and Partial Dentures

If a patient’s tooth gap is not due to having their teeth spaced far apart, but because they are missing a tooth or need to have one extracted, partial dentures or a bridge are viable options. Bridges are cemented in place and can not be removed. Partials are taken out at night and for cleaning. 

A custom false tooth, called a pontic stands in for the missing tooth. A bridge or partial can be created with more than one pontic if more than one tooth is gone. Crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the space anchor the bridge or denture. In some cases some other framework other than a crown is attached to the teeth to hold it in place. 

The average cost of a bridge: $1,500-$15,000. The average cost of partial dentures: $500-$1,500.

Dental Implants

Like a crown, a dentist would not recommend a dental implant just to fill a tooth gap. Dental implants are false teeth anchored into the jawbone with a titanium post. It is an invasive, lengthy, and expensive procedure compared to the other options for closing a gap between teeth. 

Like a bridge, a dental implant is a good option to replace a missing tooth. Implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They can be made in the perfect size and shape, regardless of what a person’s original teeth looked like. 

Average cost of a dental implant: $1,500 to $6,000 per tooth.

Which Tooth Gap Solution is Best?

Every mouth is different. What works to fix one will not necessarily be best for another. The best thing to do is discuss the tooth gap with a dentist. 

They will be able to advise the best solution for each unique circumstance to achieve the desired results. This will depend not only on the width of the space between teeth, but the patient’s overall dental health, tolerance for treatment, and budget. 

Ready to close your tooth gap? Use our online search tool to find a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist near you.